CLUB STORIES & IMPACT

Real Stories, Real Impact

Every child who walks through our doors has a story — one of growth, resilience, and opportunity. Through our programs, mentorship, and community support, young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and shape brighter futures. Here, you’ll find inspiring stories of Club members, families, community members, and alumni whose lives have been transformed by the Club. These stories are a testament to the power of a safe, supportive environment where kids can learn, lead, and thrive.



Explore their journeys and see the impact of the Club in action!

"Power Hour" - Principal Maricela Brambila

Principal Maricela Brambila at the Willard Elementary School in Pasadena cannot say enough great things about the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. Her favorite part of the Club: Power Hour, which starts at 2:30pm. It’s when the kids at the Club can do their homework, often with help from Club staff. Parents are grateful their kids can complete most of their homework before they get home, giving parents and kids more family time together. And Power Hour delivers: Kids who have attended the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena have higher High School graduation rates than Pasadena Unified School District overall. 

“In addition to Power Hour, the Club has incredible enrichment programs, such as music lessons, swimming lessons, sports, and field trips,” said Principal Maricela. “It’s a nurturing environment, providing a perfect balance of academic support and time for the kids to hang out with their friends.” The Willard Elementary School in Pasadena is incredibly lucky to have the Boys & Girls Club right next door; the 51 kids from Willard can easily walk right to the Club. 

Both of Principal Maricela’s two children attended Willard and were members of the Boys & Girls Club. The Club provided a perfect balance for her son who needed both structured play and homework help. Her daughter loved swimming lessons, music lessons, and computer lab time. 

“Students at Willard build a strong bond with the Pasadena Boys & Girls Club,” said Principal Maricela. “The Club has a profound positive impact on kids who attend, enough to sometimes change a child’s trajectory in life. The Club is a gift to the community.” 

Your donations will help ensure the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena can continue to help kids in Pasadena thrive and realize their true potential.

"A Safe Place for Families" - Crystal, Club Parent

When Crystal moved to Pasadena with her husband and three kids a few years ago, she didn’t know anyone. She had a busy job and needed to find a safe place for her kids after school. A neighbor suggested she try the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. “I was worried the Club would be too expensive with three kids,” said Crystal. She met with Mario, Branch Director at the Mackenzie-Scott location, and he was able to offer her family a scholarship. “They were so kind when I first came to the Club; they could not have been more helpful.”

“The program is wonderful,” said Crystal. “My kids get their homework done at the Club, and the counselors are there if they need help. My daughter, Melanie, absolutely loves the dance and art classes. Angel, my son who is 11 now, was shy when he first came to the Club; but over the last couple of years he has been involved with a number of activities like flag football, and his confidence has grown tremendously. My kids love it here because they are able to hang out with their friends, and they like the staff.” 

“What I appreciate the most” said Crystal, “is that when I am at work, I know they are getting their homework done, learning new activities and having fun. The Club gives me the helping hand when I need it most during the workday. That means there can be more fun family time when we get home.”

"Life Had Other Plans" - Mario, Director of Community Development & Partnerships

After finishing school, Mario, decided to volunteer at the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club. When he got there, he saw they were looking to hire someone full time in Maintenance. On an impulse, he decided to take the position. “The Boys and Girls Club gave me a chance in life, and I wanted to do my best,” said Mario. “I love the mission of the Club and use that to stay focused on doing a great job.” Through dedication and hard work, he moved up to the role of Branch Director at the N. Fair Oaks Club location. While Mario still has dreams of being a professional soccer coach, he knows deep down the Club is his home. 

As Branch Manager and now Director of Community Development & Partnerships, Mario meets regularly with parents, school principals, and local community leaders to talk about how the Club can help unlock the potential of the Club Kids. “When I attend back to school nights at the local schools, I answer any questions the parents might have about the Club and how their kids might participate.” Today there are 155 kids on average who come each day to the location, and the number is growing. 



“The proof of how wonderful this Club begins for me with my own two daughters.” Mario’s daughters, have been coming to the Club since they were 5 years old. He still proudly carries in his wallet their initial membership cards from when his girls first joined the Pasadena Girls and Boys Club 11 years ago. “I told my daughters that one day I am going to give these cards back to them, and at that point, they will both need to find a way to give back and support the Club.”

“The love I have for this place is hard to describe,” said Mario. “The staff and volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club in Pasadena provides our kids with amazing opportunities and helps them hone their skills to reach their full potential. Our first focus is academic success; we want each of our Club Kids to graduate High School, and hopefully go on to college. We help Club Kids find the available resources so they can dream big.”

"The Boys & Girls Club Is Saving His Life" - Kenneth, Club Teen

Kenneth has been a member of the Club for four years and has been to three different schools in that time. All this turmoil created a difficult environment for Kenneth. He would come to the club and not participate in programs; he just had a bad attitude.  The Teen Staff took this as a challenge and knew they could help. They had a heart to heart with him and they found his motivator: food. Then they challenged him to reach his full potential. The staff worked relentlessly with him and encouraged him to participate at the Club. A few months later Kenneth's grandma came in crying wanting to speak to the Teen Staff. Kenneth went from all Ds and Fs before in high school to straight As. Kenneth's grandma told our staff that "the Boys & Girls Club is saving his life."

"The Club Boosts Confidence & Self-Esteem" - Principal Baxter

Angela Baxter, former Principal of Webster Elementary School in Pasadena wants the best for her students. She is a big fan of the Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena. “The Boys & Girls Club helps boost the confidence and self-esteem of the students who attend the afterschool programs, and encourages them to become independent young adults,” said Angela. “There are over 200 students from Willard who actively participate in the Club, and it’s remarkable to see all the activities they have that get the kids excited.”

Angela credits the staff of the Boys & Girls Club for the positive effect it has on the kids. “The staff at the Club is exemplary in their ability to connect with the children and the strong relationships they forge,” said Angela. “They are able to enrich their lives with an amazing range of programs, including photography, robotics, and many other programs that students actively seek. The kids can pick the programs and homework clubs that work best for them, giving them a significant level of autonomy.”

The location of the club is extremely convenient, being right behind the school. Kids simply walk through a gate in back and they are at the Club. “I often visit the facilities to see what the students are up to after school,” said Angela. “We have an excellent partnership and are most fortunate to be their neighbor.”

Many of the former students of Willard, now at Wilson Middle School, continue to go to the Boys & Girls Club. It is a safe place, they provide food, and most importantly, it’s a nurturing, loving environment. “My own two children regularly went to the Boys & Girls Club when they attended Willard,” said Angela.